30 Classic Restaurants to Visit in the Ueno and Asakusa Areas

Ueno and Asakusa are some of the most iconic tourist areas in Japan. These parts of Tokyo have been tourist destinations for a long time, and there are many restaurants there that have maintained and preserved the traditional tastes since their openings. Here are some classic spots in these areas for relaxing and enjoying a leisurely meal after sightseeing!

1. Iriya Kishimojin-monzen Nodaya (Japanese Cuisine)

Since its founding over 150 years ago, the Nodaya Cook Agency has produced a great number of chefs, and it is this agency that directly manages this Japanese restaurant. One of their signature dishes, the [Unagi Su-shime] (1,680 JPY), features fresh unagi (eel) that has been marinated in a vinegar made with a secret recipe and is enjoyed with a plum sauce. The acidity of the vinegar and shredded plum make this dish extra tangy, enhancing the unagi's umami (Japanese savory taste). You should also try the [Unaju] (from 6,800 JPY), eel on rice in a lacquer box, which is cooked in one go in the "jiyaki" style.

2. Echikatsu (Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki)

This spot has been in business for over 140 years and specializes in sukiyaki (hot pot stew), a representative dish of Tokyo. The subdued interior has a strong Japanese aesthetic, including tatami seating with views of the interior garden and pond, a great setting for a leisurely meal of sukiyaki. The featured [Kuroge Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki Course] (6,480 JPY) showcases high-quality beef cooked in a light shoyu (soy sauce) broth. Stop by and savor the true flavors of traditional sukiyaki to your heart's content!

3. Ponta Honke (Western Cuisine)

"Katsuretsu" is sliced meat such as pork or beef that is coated with egg and breadcrumbs and then fried. Ponta Honke, opened in 1905, is said to be the inventor of katsuretsu in Japan. The carefully-selected pork loin used here has its fat removed, which is then used as lard. This meat is then well cooked, locking in its delicious umami, and the wonderfully crisp, light texture of the batter further complements the flavor. You simply have to try the original [Katsuretsu] (2,700 JPY)!

4. Yoshi Sushi Ueno branch (Sushi)

This popular sushi spot is just a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station. All of the seasonal seafood here is personally chosen by the chef at the market and boasts exceptional freshness! Don't miss out on the fresh sashimi and Edomae-style nigiri sushi made with this fish! The popular [Deluxe Sushi] (2,800 JPY) features a generous serving of a variety of superb options. The seafood used in this dish are notable for their large size and wonderful texture, and this option also includes akadashi (miso soup).

5. Kazumiya (Japanese Cuisine)

Kazumiya's popular Japanese course options will allow you to experience the four seasons of Japan! The menu consists of 9 options, primarily courses, and this kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course cuisine) features everything from beautifully arranged appetizers and sashimi made from the freshest seafood to the standard soup and grilled, steamed, and fried items. The atmosphere here is casual, and the service is excellent, making for a relaxing time as you enjoy your traditional Japanese meal.

6. Azuki (Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki)

This spot has a reputation for using "Sanuki Sanchiku", a meat brand from Kagawa Prefecture. Sanuki beef, Sanuki Yume pork, and Sanuki Cochin (chicken) comprise the brand, with beef being the most popular. This beef is used in the sukiyaki and shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) here. The [Olive Beef Gold Label Ribeye Sukiyaki or Shabu-Shabu] (5,000 JPY for 1 person) is a great way to enjoy the light, tender, and sweet fattiness of Sanuki beef!

7. Hyakumangoku (Sushi)

The owner at Hyakumangoku makes Edomae-style sushi with discerningly-selected ingredients, which has garnered them an excellent reputation. A custom-made "ice refrigerator" is used here to preserve the fish's freshness and umami, and the sleek cypress counter is sure to draw the eye and make your meal of traditional sushi even more enjoyable! If you can't decide on what to order, the [Chef's Choice Nigiri Course] (8,400 JPY) is a great option. This course consists of a total of 14 pieces of nigiri sushi, including maguro (tuna), white fish, shellfish, and anago (eel), as well as one sushi roll. Moreover, it also comes with soup and dessert - a fantastic deal!

8. Sakanoue (Izakaya)

This izakaya (Japanese pub) is popular for their large selection of sake (Japanese alcohol) and Japanese cuisine. There are usually over 20 kinds of carefully-selected sake brands available here, so pairing one with your meal is sure to make it enjoyable. If you aren't sure which sake to order, ask the staff for a recommendation! Start things off with an appetizer such as the [5-Piece Sashimi Sampler] (1,559 JPY), and be sure not to miss the [Beef Shabu Sirloin Sushi] (799 JPY) either, a dish of lightly-steamed fresh beef sirloin with fresh uni (sea urchin) and wasabi.

9. Sandaime Kei (Teppanyaki)

Enjoy teppanyaki (grilled on iron griddle) dishes made with top-grade Kuroge Wagyu beef and seafood for reasonable prices here! One must-try option here is the renowned [Fresh Lobster Teppanyaki] (4,980 JPY), a dish that features fresh lobster cooked on the teppan and topped with lemon butter sauce. The [Fresh Awabi with Wine] (1,380 JPY) is another recommended choice; a dish made with fresh awabi (abalone) cooked in a covered pan with white wine and flavored simply with lemon. For meat lovers, the [Limited-Offer Premium Tongue Teppanyaki] (1,900 JPY for 1 person) is sure to please!

10. Takebun (Izakaya)

The dishes here are made using Edomae anago caught in Tokyo Bay, and have attracted the support of many food critics. Their featured specialty, [Anago Shirayaki] (from 1,500 JPY), is made with anago sent directly from Tokyo Bay. They are carefully cleaned and prepared, and then individually skewered and grilled! As the anago is cooked without using any sauces, diners will be able to fully enjoy the aroma and umami to their heart's content. The painstakingly prepared [Pork Kaku-ni] (900 JPY) is another recommended choice.

11. Kappo Tonbo (Kaiseki)

This respected Japanese restaurant stands close to the Sumida River, one of the symbols of Tokyo. Kappo Tonbo has been operating for some 85 years, and offers Japanese cuisine where the four seasons are on full display with a menu centered around kaiseki (traditional Japanese course cuisine). Diners who order the reasonably-priced [Hitotori Kaiseki] (4,800 JPY) will be presented with 10 items, including tempura, sashimi, and mizugashi (dessert). There are many a la carte options to choose from as well, such as the original [Maple Saikyoyaki] (1,000 JPY).

12. Unagi Fugu Kaiseki Imai (Japanese Cuisine)

The traditional Japanese cuisine crafted by the highly-skilled chefs at Unagi Fugu Kaiseki Imai has gained this spot a reputation for quality and taste. Diners have various seating options to choose from, including table seating, traditional tatami seating, and private rooms, making this restaurant able to accommodate any parties. You must try the [Unaju Special] (3,200 JPY (plus tax)), prepared with traditional methods and featuring domestic unagi from around the country, chosen for their unparalleled freshness. The texture is thick and meaty yet soft - simply unbeatable!

13. Asakusa Shokutsugai no Himonoya (Japanese Cuisine)

"Himono" is dried fish and shellfish, whose naturally delicious flavors and umami are further enhanced through the drying process. As a result, himono has long been a cherished staple in Japan. This restaurant specializes in himono dishes, and the interior here is intended to evoke an image of a Japanese fishing village from a bygone era where the lovely scent of cooking himono wafts through the air, stoking diners' appetites. You can experience the flavor of himono in the popular [Gozen] (1,998 JPY), which is prepared by a chef who has dedicated 30 years to the craft.

Asakusa Shokutsugai no Himonoya

Open: 11:30 am - 5:00 am (last order 4:00 am) We are open straight through from lunch until early morning, so no need to worry about missing the last train home!Closed: SundaysAverage price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPYAccess: Leave Asakusa Station through Exit A3 and walk straight ahead on Kaminarimon-dori Street towards Ueno. Turn right on Sushiya-dori Street, and then to the first street on the left. 2 min. from the Tsukuba Express Station.Address: Gosho No.2 Bldg. 1F - 2F , 1-11-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Map)More Details Reservation

14. Asakusa Unagi Sansho (Japanese Cuisine)

Asakusa Unagi Sansho is a specialty restaurant serving unagi, a food long associated with Tokyo. Before opening this restaurant, the owner first trained at an unagi wholesaler, and the various dishes here showcase both his good eye for choosing ingredients and his skilled preparation techniques. Start with the classic [Unaju] (from 2,900 JPY) and experience these delicious flavors for yourself! If you would like to enjoy a drink along with your meal, then try either the [Kabayaki] (from 3,500 JPY) or the [Shirayaki] (from 3,600 JPY).

15. Unagi Komagata Maekawa Main Branch (Japanese Cuisine)

Out of all the places specializing in unagi across Japan, including Tokyo, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants is Unagi Komagata Maekawa. Classic Japanese tatami-style seating is spread between the 2nd and 3rd floors, and a panorama of Tokyo Skytree and the Sumida River extends beyond the large windows. Dishes include [Kabayaki] (from 6,156 JPY) and [Unaju] (from 4,212 JPY), which are cooked using a specially-made sauce that has been preserved and added to for over 200 years! Also, let's not forget about the [Shirayaki] (from 3,888 JPY) either, a delicious dish that can be enjoyed with wasabi-joyu (wasabi soy sauce)!

16. Minoya (Kaiseki)

This Japanese restaurant is popular for its dishes that showcase many seasonal vegetables. The menu consists primarily of 5,750 JPY courses, which include both vegetarian and gluten-free options. Great attention is paid to what vegetables are in season, resulting in a menu that changes every month, which even extends to the brand of rice used! There are also many tasty a la carte options, such as the [House Smoked Sampler Plate] (788 JPY) and the [Dashimaki Tamago] (695 JPY).

17. Enshuya (Japanese Cuisine)

This spot has been operating in Asakusa for a half-century, and offers over 30 kinds of courses to choose from, not to mention some 150 a la carte options as well! Sashimi, tempura, sushi, and nabe (hot pot) - this diverse menu has something for everyone. One particularly good choice is the [Domestic Wild-Caught Lobster and Sakuradai Banquet Course] (5,500 JPY)! Top-quality ingredients such as fresh, wild-caught, domestic lobster and refreshing sakuradai (cherry anthias) make for delicious and utterly satisfying shabu-shabu!

18. Dojo Iidaya (Japanese Cuisine)

Dojo nabe (loach hot pot) has been known as a traditional local specialty of Tokyo, so it should come as no surprise that Dojo Iidaya specializes in this dish. The unassuming interior evokes the good old days, and guests use the gas burner installed on their table to cook their traditional [Dojo Nabe] (1,550 JPY). The [Yanagawa Nabe] (1,650 JPY), featuring an egg mixed in for a milder flavor, is another classically delicious option.

19. Otafuku (Kaiseki)

Otafuku is a prominent oden restaurant that has been operating for over 100 years since 1915. Ingredients such as fish cakes made from fish paste and vegetables are simmered in dashi (broth) and called "oden," a casual Japanese dish that has long held a special place in the hearts of Japanese people. There are many oden options available here, including dashi-soaked daikon, soft hanpen (fish cakes), and eggs, so try as many as you can! The [Beef Tendon Stew] (1,000 JPY), simmered for 2 days, is another great choice.

20. Hisagoan (Kaiseki)

Kaiseki restaurant Hisagoan boasts a 70-year history. The building is in the traditional sukiya-zukuri style, and the interior has a strong feeling of wabi-sabi, a concept focused on imperfection and transience, resulting in a simple yet elegant atmosphere. The private rooms here have a private, inner garden, adding to the refined setting and creating the perfect place for savoring a Japanese kaiseki course. One popular choice is the [Hisagoan Kaiseki Course] (12,000 JPY), a reasonably-priced option that offers the very pinnacle of stylish Japanese cuisine. This course includes 8 small appetizers, tempura, and grilled fish. It's sure that the meal will be picturesque!

21. Yoshifuji (Motsunabe)

"Motsunabe" refers to a hot pot made with beef and pork innards. While particularly thought of as a specialty of Fukuoka Prefecture, it is a well-known dish across Japan. This popular restaurant initially operated for 10 years in Hakata, Fukuoka - the home of motsunabe - before opening a branch in Tokyo. Their prized [Beef Motsunabe] (1,300 JPY for 1 person) features domestic beef offal and vegetables that have been carefully selected for their freshness. Try either the [Soy Sauce] flavor, made with shoyu from Kyushu, or the [Miso], made from 3 kinds of Kyushu miso (soybean paste).

Yoshifuji

22. Daikokuya (Udon & Soba)

This renowned soba (buckwheat noodles) spot is located on a quiet residential street somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo's famous tourist destination, Asakusa. Daikokuya has been in business for 40 years, and great care is taken here in making the handmade soba noodles. The flavor all comes down to the flour used, so the restaurant uses a total of 11 different mortars that differ depending on the particular product, which is brought in from Niigata and Nagano. To best enjoy these noodles' aroma and umami, try the simple [Oseiro] (1,250 JPY) and [Sobagaki] (1,750 JPY)!

Daikokuya

23. Ponto Asakusa (Japanese Cuisine)

"Obanzai" is a classic homestyle Kyoto side dish made using ingredients such as seasonal vegetables, and Ponto Asakusa is a great spot to experience this simple food in a relaxed atmosphere. The chef here has experience working in a Kyoto restaurant, and the culinary creations feature dashi with a simple, delicious flavor. Diners here can experience what could be said to be the very essence of Japanese cuisine with options such as the [Yamaimo Yoshino Kuzukake] (1,300 JPY), which will warm up both your body and soul once you eat it, the [Dashimaki Tamago] (900 JPY), and [Kinpira] (500 JPY).

24. Sandaime Uokuma (Japanese Cuisine)

The Japanese restaurant Sandaime Uokuma has been operating in Asakusa's Kuramae area for over 70 years. The restaurant has been family-owned for 3 generations, starting with the current owner's grandfather, and this owner visits the market every morning to select the most delicious seafood of the day to serve to the guests. Be sure to try the [Deluxe Large Horsetail Crab] (6,800 JPY) at this time of year. The crab is steamed but not boiled in order to prevent any of the umami from escaping, and its exquisite flavor will make you want to keep eating and eating! Don't miss out on the seasonal [Sashimi Sampler] (from 3,800 JPY for 2 people), either!

25. Sui-Sui Ueno Branch (Izakaya)

This popular izakaya has a selection of 100 kinds of sake, featuring brands hailing from Hokkaido in the north all the way to Okinawa in the south. This selection also changes to reflect the seasons, so no matter how many times you go, you will always be able to try new, delicious flavors! The [Beef Tataki] (900 JPY), the perfect accompaniment to high-quality sake, is a dish involving a meaty shoulder cut that is low in fat which is seared, leaving the inside raw, and then flavored with a spicy gochujang sauce. Furthermore, the unparalleled freshness of the [4-Piece Sashimi Sampler of the Day] (1,600 JPY for 2 people) makes this another recommended choice.

26. Kushiemon (Izakaya)

Diners at Kushiemon can drink in Japan's unique culture, which blossomed in the Edo period between the 17th and 19th centuries while enjoying their popular and delicious skewers. Several kinds of ingredients are skewered and fried here, and there are also 10 sauces to choose from, so you are sure to be satisfied with the large variety of flavors! Order the [10-Skewer Course] (3,500 JPY) to experience the best flavors at any given time of year. The [Kushiemon House Special Atsuage] (480 JPY) has a crispy exterior and soft inside, making it another popular choice.

27. Edo Soba Teuchidokoro Asada (Udon & Soba)

This spot boasts a history of over 150 years, having opened in 1854. The current owner, the 8th in the restaurant's history, begins the process of producing soba by grinding the flour, and believes in doing everything by hand, resulting in a timelessly classic flavor. Buckwheat flour is used exclusively in their juwari soba. There are no thickening agents, so it produces a highly aromatic, deep flavor with a great texture characteristic of soba. Try the simple [Seiro Soba] (680 JPY) and [Anago Ten Seiro] (1,360 JPY), which comes with anago and tempura, to experience these traditional flavors!

28. Kurofune-Tei (Western Cuisine)

Kurofune-Tei has a long history as one of the pioneers of Western cuisine in Japan. The restaurant's predecessor, Restaurant Kikuya, is known for having been visited by even John Lennon and Yoko Ono! The [Beef Stew] (3,300 JPY) here is a must-try item. Special house-made demi-glace sauce brings out the wonderful umami of the stewed Wagyu beef. Be sure to try the [Hayashi Rice] (1,700 JPY) as well, the veritable king of Japanese-style Western cuisine!

Kurofune-Tei

29. Nakae (Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki)

"Sakura-nabe" is hot pot made with horse meat, a local Tokyo classic. This restaurant opened over 100 years ago in 1905, and it has been faithfully keeping the traditional taste of dish throughout the years. One featured item is the [Sakura-nabe Loin] (2,480 JPY), which features a loin cut brimming with rich flavor that's prepared in a miso sauce in the style of sukiyaki. This dish is sure to warm up your whole body as soon as you taste it! The [Stewed Horse Tendon] (580 JPY), a dish packed with collagen, is another excellent choice.

30. Yakiniku Motoyama Main Branch (Yakiniku)

Yakiniku Motoyama has been in business for over 40 years since 1975. This yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) spot uses carefully selected domestic Kuroge Wagyu beef, primarily the famous Kobe brand, to create its wide array of yakiniku options, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth dishes! Start with the [3-Variety Sampler] (2,880 JPY), featuring delicious rare cuts, and be sure not to skip over the [6-Piece Shibaura Offal Sampler] (1,580 JPY), either! It's a great dish for enjoying phenomenally fresh offal.

Yakiniku Motoyama Main Branch

Ready to head to Ueno and Asakusa to try out some of these 30 classic spots? There are, of course, many other great restaurants in the bustling Ueno and Asakusa areas as well, so embark on a foodie trip and explore the streets on foot to discover a host of great new flavors!